Expandable building systems

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure describes an expandable residential dwelling unit and a set of modular, prefabricated components which can be built offsite, shipped to site, and assembled. The prefabricated components and expandable dwelling unit enable faster, and more cost effective method for adding additional square footage onto a residential dwelling unit. These prefabricated wall components attach to the existing dwelling unit via mechanical connections that maintain a constant thermal and water barrier. Multiple preferred aspects are described herein.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of theearlier filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.62/424,513, filed on Nov. 20, 2016, entitled EXPANDABLE BUILDING SYSTEM,the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

This application is related to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.62/323,655, filed on Apr. 16, 2016, entitled REMOVABLE AND RE-ATTACHABLEROOF SYSTEM FOR MODULAR RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION and U.S.Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 15/489,577, entitledREMOVABLE AND RE-ATTACHABLE ROOF SYSTEM FOR MODULAR RESIDENTIALCONSTRUCTION, now U.S. Publication No. 2017/0298614, the entiredisclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This specification generally relates to expandable building systems andmore particularly to removable and re-attachable wall systems formodular structure construction that permits horizontal expansion.

BACKGROUND

In the design and construction of structures, such as industrialwarehouses, commercial buildings, and residential homes the builders anddesigners focus on the identified needs of the occupants and design andbuild a structure to meet their needs. While this type of design affordsthe occupants a structure that meets their currently identifiedrequirements, overtime, the needs of the occupants change and theoriginal design of the structures become obsolete.

With businesses and personal structures, it is often difficult toaccurately plan and project for the future needs. Underbuilding to meetcurrent financial needs of the occupants oftentimes results in theoccupants requiring to move and obtain additional or new structures,while overbuilding can lead to increased costs of up keeping a facilityand the possibility that the needs of the occupant will never expend tofully utilize the space. Thus, the current building methods involve asubstantial amount of speculation and are often overbuilt for thecurrent needs of the occupants.

When the occupants eventually outgrow their current structures, theyoftentimes are required to look for additional buildings or structures.The process of purchasing additional real estate can be time consuming,difficult, and expensive depending on the market. For example, when afamily “outgrows” a residential structure, they move to a different homewith more square footage or a home with additional bedrooms. The movingprocess can be quite stressful, time intensive, and expensive. Toprevent moving, some families add onto their existing home by adding anaddition. Adding an addition onto an existing house is not easy; it'stime consuming and costs the homeowner a significant sum of money.

Making an addition onto one's home is difficult, time intensive, andcostly. This process is challenging because homes are not designed to beexpanded on when initially constructed. Without knowing the structuralcapacity of the walls, the utilities located inside the walls, andwithout having a way to disassemble the walls without compromising theintegrity of materials, adding onto one's home in the front, back, orside becomes a messy, burdensome process. Designing a residentialstructure with the intent of expanding horizontally can eliminate manyof these steps, making the addition process much simpler.

Moreover, designing a dwelling unit using modular construction canreduce onsite construction time and costs and ensure better qualitycontrol in the building process. In addition, when using modularbuilding techniques, the modular structures can easily and costeffectively be modified to meet the owners or occupants changing needs.

SUMMARY

This specification describes horizontally expandable buildingstructures, for example, residential dwellings.

In one example, the present disclosure provides for the horizontalexpansion of a residential dwelling by way of an expandable buildingsystem, comprised of a removable façade system, removable patch panels,and a quick connect expansion system. The expandability is achieved bybuilding the original dwelling in a way that allows for specific wallsto be removed without damage. Each of the aspects disclosed may havedifferent means to achieve the same result of adding onto an existingdwelling without demolishing existing walls and reusing materials. Theadditions are made by attaching the new wall panels to the existingdwelling using either a compatible bracket or through the custom designof a structural insulated panel. In either case, a synthetic fabricweather barrier may be sandwiched between the existing dwelling wall andthe new panel, then attached using bolts or other suitable means,described herein. This composition allows for a weather barrier to becontinuous from the original module throughout the new additions.

In one example, a residential dwelling comprises a removable wallstructure, or patch panels, that permits an addition to be added ontoand additional structural unit. This expandability is achieved through amodular removable wall system that can be attached, removed, andreattached to the structure. The removable wall system is removablewithout compromising the structural capacity or performance and allowsfor the structural integrity of the structural unit to be maintainedduring the expansion process. The removable wall assembly may compriseadditional wall panels, weather barrier, fascia, and patch panels whichcan be removed and reattached to the dwelling unit during a horizontalexpansion. Once the additional wall panels are attached to the originaldwelling, the insulation, weather barrier, fascia, and patch panels fromthe original dwelling's expandable wall structure are re-attached to thewall structure of the horizontal addition through the removable wallattachment system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various features and characteristics of an expandable building system,and more specifically a removable wall system, described in thisspecification may be more thoroughly understood by reference to theaccompanying figures, in which:

FIGS. 1A-1K illustrate the process of making a horizontal addition to anexisting dwelling unit that was originally built to receive an addition.The process includes the steps of removing a removable wall system,adding an additional room onto an original residential dwelling, andreattaching the removable wall system, where:

FIG. 1A illustrates an axonometric view of the original dwelling unit;

FIG. 1B illustrates the façade of the original dwelling unit from FIG.1A in the process of being removed to begin the expansion process

FIG. 1C illustrates the façade removed, revealing removable patch panelsand quick-connect bracket system of the original dwelling unit from FIG.1A;

FIG. 1D illustrates the patch panels in the process of being removedfrom the original dwelling unit from FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1E illustrates the original dwelling unit of FIG. 1A with a voidwhere the patch panels were previously located;

FIG. 1F illustrates additional square footage being connected to theoriginal dwelling unit of FIG. 1A through the addition of floor and roofpanels;

FIG. 1G illustrates the patch panels in the process of being re-attachedto the extended dwelling unit of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1H illustrates the patch panels re-attached to the extendeddwelling unit of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1I illustrates the façade of the original dwelling unit of FIG. 1Ain the process of being re-attached onto the extended dwelling unit;

FIG. 1J illustrates the completed addition of the extended dwellingunit; and

FIG. 1K illustrates a detailed view of the removable wall system,detailing the structural elements that comprise the panelized wallsystem.

FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate a detailed elevational view of the expandablebuilding system, where:

FIG. 2A illustrates an elevational view of the rear of an originaldwelling unit showing three patch panels attached; and

FIG. 2B illustrates an elevational view of the rear of the originaldwelling unit of FIG. 2A after the patch panels have been removed,revealing a partial wall opening.

FIG. 2C illustrates an elevational view of the rear of an originaldwelling unit with three patch panels attached; and

FIG. 2D illustrates an elevational view of the rear of the originaldwelling unit of FIG. 2C after the patch panels have been removed,revealing a whole wall opening.

FIG. 3A illustrates a detailed section view of a bracket system andpanelized wall design of FIGS. 1A-2D in a disassembled condition; and

FIG. 3B illustrates a detailed section view of the bracket system ofFIG. 3A in an assembled condition.

FIG. 4A illustrates a detailed section view of an alternative bracketsystem and panelized wall design of FIGS. 1A-2D in a disassembledcondition; and

FIG. 4B illustrates a detailed section view of the bracket system ofFIG. 4A in an assembled condition.

FIGS. 5A-5I illustrate an alternative process of making a horizontaladdition to an existing dwelling unit that was originally built toreceive an addition. The process includes the steps of removing aremovable wall system, adding an additional room onto an originalresidential dwelling, and reattaching the removable wall system, where:

FIG. 5A illustrates an original dwelling unit with the end-cap removed,where corner wall panels are being attached thereto;

FIG. 5B illustrates the original dwelling unit of FIG. 5A, wherebrackets are being installed to allow for the reattachment of the endcap;

FIG. 5C illustrates the original dwelling unit of FIG. 5A where themetal brackets are installed;

FIG. 5D illustrates the original dwelling unit of FIG. 5A where afull-fall end cap is being attached, thereto;

FIG. 5E illustrates the original dwelling unit of FIG. 5A with theassembled addition attached, thereto;

FIG. 5F illustrates a perspective view of the original dwelling unit ofFIG. 5A;

FIG. 5G illustrates a perspective view of the original dwelling unit ofFIG. 5A where the bottom corner panel of FIG. 5B is installed;

FIG. 5H illustrates a perspective view of the original dwelling unit ofFIG. 5A where the top corner panel of FIG. 5B is installed; and

FIG. 5H illustrates a perspective view of the original dwelling unit ofFIG. 5A where the end-cap is being installed.

FIGS. 6A-6E illustrate alternative process of an addition that ascomprised of hinged panels which are unfolded on site, where:

FIG. 6A illustrates an original dwelling unit with and a hinged-panelwall addition system;

FIG. 6B illustrates the original dwelling unit of FIG. 6A where thehinged-panel wall addition system is unfolded;

FIG. 6C illustrates the original dwelling unit of FIG. 6A where thehinged-panel wall addition system is fully unfolded and a floor moduleis being installed;

FIG. 6D illustrates the original dwelling unit of FIG. 6A where a roofmodule is being installed onto the unfolded wall addition system; and

FIG. 6E illustrates the original dwelling unit of FIG. 6A with the fullyassembled addition attached, thereto.

FIG. 7A illustrates an original dwelling unit with a fully-assembledadditional room module being attached, thereto; and

FIG. 7B illustrates the original dwelling unit of FIG. 7A with thefully-assembled additional room module attached.

FIGS. 8A-13 illustrate wall addition systems and various alternativeattachment mechanisms, where:

FIG. 8A illustrates an interior view of a full wall patch panel system;

FIG. 8B illustrates an interior view of a partial wall patch panelsystem;

FIG. 9 illustrates a patch panel assembly having a cam latch attachmentmechanism;

FIG. 10 illustrates a patch panel assembly having a key attachmentmechanism;

FIG. 11A illustrates a patch panel assembly and a fin attachmentmechanism;

FIG. 11B illustrates the patch panel assembly of FIG. 11A with the finattachment mechanism attached; and

FIG. 12 illustrates a patch panel assembly having a pin attachmentmechanism.

FIG. 13 illustrates a patch panel assembly having a bracket attachmentmechanism.

The reader will appreciate the foregoing features and characteristics,as well as others, upon considering the following detailed descriptionof the expandable building system according to this specification.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This specification is generally directed to expandable building systems,and more specifically, removable wall systems for use with modularbuilding structures. However, they are not limited to such extemporaryenvironments.

Generally speaking, numerous aspects described throughout thespecification can be used in the construction of modular structures,prefabricated structures, as well as site-built structures. Theremovable wall assembly can allow modular structures to grow and expandas well as contrast as the needs of the building owners/occupantschange. In one aspect, the removable wall assembly may permit theexpansion of a modular residential structure its current footprint to alarger horizontal footprint, for example a rear or side addition thatpermits additional square footage to be added to the residentialstructure. In addition, the removable wall assembly may permit a modularresidential structure to be contracted and an addition removed, forexample when a family is looking to downsize after the children haveleft the home.

In other aspects, the removable wall assembly may allow for thereplacement of exterior walls on structures designed as permanentbuildings. In one aspect, the removable wall assembly may allow abuilding owner to easily replace the wall structures of a building toupdate the structural aspects as well as the visual aspect of a buildingstructure. For example, the removable wall assembly may allow for easeof replacing a building with a vinyl siding with one of a wooded siding,a siding of a different color, or another type of exterior appearance,such as brick, or stucco. The ease of removal and replacement with theremovable wall assembly can reduce labor costs and replacement wallassemblies can be constructed offsite and shipped to the location of thebuilding which can reduce the time and labor costs associated withreplacing a roof structure. Additionally, the removable wall assemblyalso may facilitate the easy removal and replacement of walls astechnology improves and more efficient building materials are produced,such as increased thermal resistivity materials to allow a structure tobe more energy efficient or technological upgrades, such as smart panelshaving built-in electronic features.

FIGS. 1A-K illustrate the process of removing a removable wall assembly,adding an additional wall panels and horizontal square footage onto anoriginal residential dwelling, and reattaching the removable wallassembly. Referring to FIG. 1A, the original dwelling unit 100 iscomprised of four vertical walls, a floor, a roof structure, and aremovable wall assembly 110. The removable wall assembly comprises aremovable façade 101. FIG. 1B illustrates the façade 101 of theremovable wall assembly 110 being removed Arrow A from the originaldwelling unit 100. The removable wall assembly 110 further comprisespatch panels 103 a-c. The patch panels 103 a-c can be releasablyattached to the original dwelling unit 100 through attachment assemblies102. Each attachment assembly 102 can comprise an attachment mechanismthat permits mechanical attachment of the patch panels 103 a-c to theoriginal dwelling unit 100. The attachment assembly 102 also maycomprise a quick-connect bracket system that permits the efficientremoval of the patch panels 103 a-c from the original dwelling unit 100.

FIG. 1C shows the original dwelling unit 100 with the façade 101 havingbeen completely removed. The original dwelling unit 100 is designed topermit the structure to remain structurally stable with the removal ofthe removable wall assembly 110, which can allow the internalfurnishings and belongings of the occupant to remain in place during thehorizontal expansion process.

Referring now to FIG. 1D, the patch panels 103 a-c are shown in theprocess of being removed Arrow B. The attachment assemblies 102 havebeen disengaged and the patch panels 103 a-c have been released from theoriginal dwelling unit 100. With the removal of the patch panels 103a-c, the original dwelling unit 100 maintains its structural integrityand is now ready for horizontal building expansion.

FIG. 1E depicts the original dwelling unit 100 with the removable wallassembly 110 (façade 101, patch panels 103 a-c, and attachmentassemblies 102) removed. With the removable wall assembly 110 removed,opening 104 allows a horizontal addition to be connected to the originaldwelling unit 100. FIG. 1F illustrates the horizontal building expansionwith the addition of wall panels 105 a-d and floor panels 106 beingattached Arrow C. The wall panels 105 a-d and the floor panels 106 canbe attached to the original dwelling unit through an attachmentassemblies, similar to attachment assembly 102. When multiple wallpanels 105 a-d are attached to the original dwelling unit 100, each wallpanel 105 a-d can be attached to longitudinal walls of the originaldwelling unit 100 or to each subsequently added wall panel. Each of thewall panels 105 a-d can have an attachment assembly that allows the wallpanels 105 a-d to be sequentially attached to the original dwelling unit100 and to each added wall panel. By having a modular building structurewith compatible attachment mechanisms, each additional wall panel orfloor panel can easily be attached to the original dwelling until 100.

Referring to FIG. 1G, the wall panels 105 a-d and floor panels 106 havebeen attached to the original dwelling unit 100. In addition, roofassembly 109 has been attached to the original dwelling unit 100 throughthe use of attachment assemblies that permitted the roof assembly 109 tobe easily attached to the original dwelling unit 100. FIG. 1G furtherillustrates patch panels 103 b, 103 d, and 103 e being attached Arrow Fto the original dwelling unit 100. In various aspects, the originalpatch panels 103 a-c may be attached to the original dwelling unit 100through attachment assemblies 102. In addition, or in the alternative,additional patch panels 103 d and 103 e can be attached to the originaldwelling unit 100. For example, a new patch panel 103 d may be attachedto the original dwelling unit 100 to add a door access to the originaldwelling unit 100. In addition, patch panel 103 e may be attached to theoriginal dwelling unit 100 to add a window to the original dwelling unit100. While the addition of doors and windows are shown during anexpansion of the original dwelling unit 100, the patch panels 103 d and103 e may be used to replace patch panels or wall panels of an originaldwelling unit and allow the occupants to easily add additional windowsor doors to the original dwelling unit 100 without the hassleexperienced in such an addition in a non-modular structure.

FIG. 1H illustrates the original dwelling unit 100 with the patch panels103 b, 103 d, and 103 e attached, which comprise the structuralcomponents of the horizontal addition 107. Once the structuralcomponents of the horizontal addition 107 have been attached to theoriginal dwelling unit 100, the façade 101 can be attached to theadditional wall panels 105 a-d and to the patch panels 103 b, 103 d, and103 e, as shown in FIG. 1I. Where the patch panels are not changed fromthe pre-expanded original dwelling unit 100, the original façade 101 canbe reattached. If the occupant decides to add patch panels havingadditional features such as doors or windows, new or altered façades 101can be reattached to the patch panels Arrow G. FIG. 1J illustrates theoriginal dwelling unit 100 with the horizontal addition 107 andadditional features of a door and window.

FIG. 1K illustrates one aspect of the attachment assemblies 102 thatallow the horizontal addition 107 to be attached to the originaldwelling unit 100. In one aspect, the attachment assembly 102 maycomprise a bracket system that allows for the attachment of thecomponents of the horizontal addition to be attached to the originaldwelling unit 100.

Now referring to FIGS. 2A-2D, various aspects of a removable wallassembly 210 a-b are shown. FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate an elevation viewof a removable wall assembly 210 a having three patch panels 203 a-c.The rear wall 218 a has a framing 220 a which defines an opening 204 a.In FIG. 2A, the patch panels 203 a-c are attached to the rear wall 218 awithin partial wall opening 204 a. The framing 220 of rear wall 218 aprovides structural support and does not allow for the entire removal ofthe rear wall 218 a. This orientation is shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B andmay be used where the rear wall of a structure is required to be loadbarring to an extent. Thus, in the aspects show in FIGS. 2A and 2B, theframing 220 of the rear wall 218 a allows for the removal of the patchpanels 203 a-c and the expansion of the original dwelling unit 200. FIG.2B illustrates the framing 220 of the rear wall 218 a of the originaldwelling unit 200 with the patch panels 203 a-c removed to allow for thehorizontal expansion of the original dwelling unit 200.

FIGS. 2C and 2D illustrate and alternative aspect of a removable wallassembly 210 b. The removable wall assembly of FIGS. 2C and 2D allowsfor the removal of the entire rear wall 218 b of the original dwellingunit 200. The removable wall assembly 210 b comprises patch panels 203d-f which comprise the entire rear wall 218 b of the original dwellingunit 200. As seen in FIG. 2D, when the patch panels 203 d-f are removed,the whole opening 204 b stretches the entire rear wall 218 b and allowsfor the original dwelling unit 200 to be expanded without having apartial wall opening 204 a.

As see in FIGS. 3A and 3B, an attachment assembly 302 is shown. Theattachment assembly 302 can be used to attach addition wall panels, forexample wall panels 105 a-d to the existing walls of an originaldwelling unit 100. In addition, or in the alternative, similarattachment assemblies can be used to attaches floor panels 106 or roofassembly 109 to an original dwelling unit 100, as shown in FIGS. 1A-1K.FIG. 3A shows an attachment assembly 302 in a disassembled condition.The additional wall panels 305 or the walls of the original dwellingunit 300 can include façade 301, sheathing 315, insulation cavity 308and threaded inserts 312. The additional wall panels 305, and or wallsof the original dwelling 100, can comprise a panelized wall system usingstructural insulated panels (SIPs), traditional lumber framing, or metalstuds. The sheathing 315 may provide the structural aspects of thepanelized wall system. The additional wall panels 305, and or walls ofthe original dwelling 100 can be attached to one another throughattachment assembly 302. In one aspect, shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, theattachment assembly 302 can include bracket 322, fasteners 316, fasteneropenings 324, and weather barrier 304. The weather barriers 304 can beinstalled between the two conjoining panels during installation betweenthe panels 305 and attachment assembly 302. The weather barriers 304help ensure that a weather resistant seal is formed between the two wallpanels 305. During assembly of the two wall panels to one another, thefasteners 316 releasably attach the wall panel 305, weather barrier 304and bracket 322. The fasteners 316 can be threaded through the fasteneropening 324, engage the weather barrier 304 and are then threaded intothe threaded inserts 312. Each of the wall assemblies 305 can beattached to the attachment assembly through the same process and permitsexpansion of the original dwelling unit 300.

Now referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, an alternative attachment assembly 402is shown. FIG. 4A shows the attachment assembly 402 in a disassembledcondition. The wall penalization system depicted in FIGS. 4A and 4Bcomprise a male-female connection. The wall panels 405 comprisesheathing 415 which provides structural component to the wall panel 405.The sheathing 415 of the female connection portion comprises an openingthat allows a corresponding connection portion of the male connector ofanother wall panel to be inserted and attached. The female connectionportion 426 comprises fastener openings 424 that allow fasteners 416 tobe threadably passed, therethrough. The attachment assembly comprisestwo synthetic waterproof membrane weather barriers 404 that are affixedto the female connection portion 426 and the male connection portion422. Each wall portion 405 comprises an insulation portion 408 on theinterior of the sheathing 415 and a façade 401 on the outside of thewall panel 405. The fasteners 416 may be bolts or other types offasteners. The two adjoining wall panels 405 are attached by insertingthe male connection portion 426 of one wall assemble into the femaleportion 426 of an adjoining wall assembly with the weather barrier 404therebetween. Once the wall panels are in a mating relationship with oneanother, the fasteners can be threadably attached through the fasteneropenings 422 in the female connection 426 and threadably attached to thethreaded inserts of the male connection portion 422. FIG. 4B illustratesthe attachment assembly shown in FIG. 4A in the attached condition.

FIGS. 5A-5I illustrate another aspect of an expandable buildingassembly. FIG. 5A illustrates an original dwelling unit 500 with opening504 after having removed the façade 501 and patch panels 503, thusexposing the attachment assembly 502. Preassembled corner wall panels505 a-b are in the process of being attached Arrow H. The corner wallpanels 505 a-b can be assembled on-site or may be assembled off-side andbrought to the building site to allow for a more efficient additionbuilding process.

FIG. 5B shows original dwelling unit 500 with corner wall panels 505 a-battached and additional attachment assemblies 502 a-b in the process ofbeing attached Arrow I. The additional attachment assemblies 502 a-b maybe similar to the attachment assemblies depicted in FIGS. 3A-4B. Oncethe attachment assemblies 502 a-b are attached to the corner wall panels505 a-b, additional corner panels or removable wall assemblies can beattached to the original dwelling unit 500. FIG. 5C shows originaldwelling unit 500 with the full wall panels 505 a-b and attachmentassemblies 502 a-b attached, but still without the removable wallassembly 510 attached.

FIG. 5D illustrates the original dwelling unit 500 with the removablewall assembly 510 being attached to the attachment assemblies 503 a, 503b. The removable wall assembly 510 is attached Arrow J and comprises thepatch panels 503 and façade 501.

FIG. 5E illustrates the full addition of the corner wall panels 505 a-band the removable wall assembly 510 attached to the original dwellingunit 500. FIG. 5F is a perspective view showing bottom corner panel 504in the process of being fastened to attachment assembly 502 lined withsynthetic waterproof membrane. FIG. 5G is a perspective view of bottomcorner panel 505 a affixed to attachment assembly 502 a which createsthe floor and right side-wall of the addition 507. FIG. 5H is aperspective view of top corner panel 505 b in the process of beingfastened to attachment assembly 502 b which is lined on each side withsynthetic waterproof membrane. FIG. 5I is a perspective view of theattachment assembly 502 c being attached to the addition 507 and theremovable wall assembly 510. A synthetic waterproof membrane in thefastened to the original dwelling unit 500 between the attachmentassembly 502 c and the corner wall panels to create a weatherproofbarrier. Once the structural components of the addition 507 areassembled, the façade 501 of the removable wall assembly can beattached.

Referring now to FIG. 6A, an alternative horizontal addition assembly isshown. FIG. 6A illustrates an original dwelling unit 600 with theremovable wall assembly 610 removed. A hinged wall-panel system 617 isshown. The hinged wall-panel system 617 is in a folded position that canallow for ease of transportation of the hinged wall-panel system 617 tothe building site. The hinged wall-panel system 617 comprises anexterior wall 605 having a finished façade 601. Each of the panels ofthe hinged wall-panel system 617 is connected with a hinge 602. Thehinges 619 can comprise different types of hinges, for example a pinhinge, and allow the panels to be folded to allow for ease oftransportation and unfolded to permit the hinged wall-panel system 617to be assembled to the original dwelling unit 600. The attachmentinterface between the original dwelling unit 600 and the hingedwall-panel system 617 can include a synthetic waterproof membrane topermit the two components to be attached through a weatherproof seal.

Referring now to FIG. 6B, the hinged wall-panel system 617 is shown inthe process of being unfolded. The interior walls 606 of the hingedwall-panel system 617 can be finished interior walls, unfinishedinterior walls, or partially finished interior walls. FIG. 6Cillustrates the hinged wall-panel system 617 fully unfolded. Once thehinged wall-panel system 617 is fully unfolded, the hinges 619 can belocked into position at the respective 90 and 180 degree positions. Oncethe hinged wall-panel system 617 is unfolded, the floor 608, can beplaced within the hinged wall-panel system 617. FIG. 6D shows the hingedwall-panel system 617 with the flooring 608 installed. The roof panel609 is shown being installed to the addition 607. In the currentlyaspect, the roof panel measures 16′×16′ and is placed atop the hingedwall-panel system 617. The roof panel 609 and/or the flooring 608 can bedelivered to the building site in a singular piece or modular pieces andassembled onsite. FIG. 6E shows the addition 607 fully assembled andattached to the original dwelling unit 600. The addition 607 can beattached to the original dwelling unit 600 through attachment assemblies602, which are describe in more detail with respect to FIGS. 3A-4B,above, and FIGS. 8A-13, below.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A and 7B, a fully-built, addition module 707 isshown. The fully-built, addition module 707 may come completelyassembled and delivered to a building site or may be built onsite. Thefully-built, addition module 707 can be attached to an original dwellingunit 707 using any of the attachment assemblies described herein. FIG.7A depicts an original dwelling unit 700 with a removable wall assemblyremoved and a fully-built, addition module 707. FIG. 7B shows thefully-built, addition module 707 attached to the original dwelling unit700.

FIGS. 8A-13 illustrate wall addition systems and various alternativeattachment mechanisms to permit removable wall assemblies to beremovably attached to the original dwelling units 100-1400. Theremovable wall assemblies described throughout may have differentattachment assemblies. The attachment assemblies may allow for theattachment of additional wall panels to the original dwelling units, theattachment of one or more additional wall panels to each other, theattachment of flooring assemblies to the original dwelling unit, theattachment of roof assemblies to the original dwelling unit, and theattachment of removable wall assemblies to any of the aforementionedpieces of the modular building structure.

Referring to FIG. 8A, an interior view of a removable wall assembly 810having a full wall patch panel system is shown. The full wall patchpanel system comprises patch panels 803 a-c. The original dwelling unit800 can have flooring 806. The patch panels 803 a-c can have variousattachment locations to the original dwelling unit 800. The patch panels803 a and 803 b can be attached to the walls of the original dwellingunit 800 through attachment assemblies 802 a and 802 d, respectively. Inaddition, the patch panels 803 a-c can be attached to the flooring 806of the original dwelling unit 800 through attachment assemblies 802 g,802 f, and 802 e. Patch panels 803 a and 803 b can be attached to oneanother through attachment assembly 802 b. Patch panels 803 b and 803 ccan be attached to one another through attachment assembly 802 c. Inaddition, the patch panels can be attached to the roofing of theoriginal dwelling unit 800 through similar attachment assemblies. Eachof these attachment assemblies can comprise various attachmentmechanisms, described in greater detain with respect to FIG. 3A-4B,above, and FIGS. 9-13, below.

FIG. 8B illustrates an interior view of a partial wall patch panelsystem. Referring to FIG. 8B, an interior view of a removable wallassembly 910 having a partial wall patch panel system is shown. Thepartial wall patch panel system comprises patch panels 903 a-c. Theoriginal dwelling unit 900 can have flooring 906 and rear wall framing920. The patch panels 903 a-c can have various attachment locations tothe original dwelling unit 900. The patch panels 903 a and 903 b can beattached to the framing 920 of the original dwelling unit 900 throughattachment assemblies 902 a and 902 d, respectively. In addition, thepatch panels 903 a-c can be attached to the flooring 906 of the originaldwelling unit 900 through attachment assemblies 902 g, 902 f, and 902 e.Patch panels 903 a and 903 b can be attached to one another throughattachment assembly 902 b. Patch panels 903 b and 903 c can be attachedto one another through attachment assembly 902 c. In addition, the topportion of the patch panels can be attached to the top portion of theframing 920 of the original dwelling unit 900 through similar attachmentassemblies. Each of these attachment assemblies can comprise variousattachment mechanisms, described in greater detain with respect to FIG.3A-4B, above, and FIGS. 9-13, below.

Referring to FIG. 9, a patch panel 1003 having an attachment assembly1002 is shown. While the attachment assembly is shown connecting thepatch panel 1003 to the flooring 1006 of original dwelling unit 1000,the attachment assembly 1002 can also be used to attach the patch panel1003 to the walls of original dwelling unit 1000, to the roof structureof the original dwelling unit 1000, to the framing of original dwellingunit 1000, or to additional patch panels. In addition, the attachmentassembly 1002 can be used as an attachment assembly to connect othermodular structures, described herein. The attachment assembly 1002comprises a rotatable cam latch 1024 and a cam latch receiver 1022. Thecam latch 1024 can be rotated between an attached condition where thecam latch 1024 is releasably attached to the cam latch receiver 1022 toattach the patch panel 1003 to the original dwelling unit 1000 and anunattached condition where the patch panel 1003 is not attached to theoriginal dwelling unit 1000. In the current aspect, the cam latch 1024is depicted as part of the patch panel 1003 and the cam latch receiver1022 is depicted as part of the original dwelling unit 1000. However,the reverse configuration is also within the scope of this disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 10, a patch panel 1103 having an attachment assembly1102 is shown. While the attachment assembly is shown connecting thepatch panel 1103 to the flooring 1106 of original dwelling unit 1100,the attachment assembly 1102 can also be used to attach the patch panel1103 to the walls of original dwelling unit 1100, to the roof structureof the original dwelling unit 1100, to the framing of original dwellingunit 1100, or to additional patch panels. In addition, the attachmentassembly 1102 can be used as an attachment assembly to connect othermodular structures, described herein. The attachment assembly 1102comprises a rotatable key 1124 and a key receiver 1122. The key 1024 canbe inserted into the key receiver 1122 and rotated between an attachedcondition where the key 1124 is releasably attached to the key receiver1122 to attach the patch panel 1103 to the original dwelling unit 1100and an unattached condition where the patch panel 1103 is not attachedto the original dwelling unit 1100. In the current aspect, the key 1124is depicted as part of the patch panel 1103 and the key receiver 1122 isdepicted as part of the original dwelling unit 1100. However, thereverse configuration is also within the scope of this disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 11A and 11B, a patch panel 1203 having an attachmentassembly 1202 is shown. While the attachment assembly is shownconnecting the patch panel 1203 to the flooring 1206 of originaldwelling unit 1200, the attachment assembly 1202 can also be used toattach the patch panel 1203 to the walls of original dwelling unit 1200,to the roof structure of the original dwelling unit 1200, to the framingof original dwelling unit 1200, or to additional patch panels. Inaddition, the attachment assembly 1202 can be used as an attachmentassembly to connect other modular structures, described herein. Theattachment assembly 1202 comprises a fin receiver 1224 and a fin 1222.The fin receiver 1224 can receive the fin 1222. During the assembly ofthe patch panel 1203 to the original dwelling unit 1200, the finreceiver 1224 and the fin 1222 can be aligned. Once the fin receiver1224 and the fin 1222 are aligned, as seen in FIG. 11A, the fin 1222 canbe moved from a recessed position to an extended position, as seen inFIG. 11B and positioned within the fin receiver 1224. Once the fin 1222is releasable received within the fin receiver 1224, a locking mechanismcan be employed to releasable retain the patch panel 1203 to theoriginal dwelling unit 1200. In the current aspect, the fin receiver1224 is depicted as part of the patch panel 1203 and the fin 1222 isdepicted as part of the original dwelling unit 1200. However, thereverse configuration is also within the scope of this disclosure. Inaddition, the fin may be moved between the recessed and extendedpositions through a mechanical actuator, a compressed air system, ahydraulic system, a spring system, or a motor driven system.

Referring to FIG. 12, a patch panel 1303 having attachment assemblies1302 a-c is shown. While the attachment assemblies 1302 a-c are shownconnecting the patch panel 1303 to the flooring 1306 of originaldwelling unit 1300, the attachment assemblies 1302 a-c can also be usedto attach the patch panel 1303 to the walls of original dwelling unit1300, to the roof structure of the original dwelling unit 1300, to theframing of original dwelling unit 1300, or to additional patch panels.In addition, the attachment assemblies 1302 a-c can be used as anattachment assembly to connect other modular structures, describedherein. The attachment assemblies 1302 a-c comprise pins 1324 a-c andpin receivers 1322 a-c. The pins 1324 a-c can be received by the pinreceivers 1322 a-c. During the assembly of the patch panel 1303 to theoriginal dwelling unit 1300, the pins 1324 a-c and the pin receivers1322 a-c can be aligned. Once the pins 1324 a-c and the pin receivers1322 a-c are aligned, the pins 1324 a-c can be moved from a recessedposition to an extended position, and positioned within the pinreceivers 1322 a-c. Once the pins 1224 a-c are releasable receivedwithin the pin receivers 1322 a-c, a locking mechanism can be employedto releasable retain the patch panel 1303 to the original dwelling unit1300. In the current aspect, the pins 1324 a-c are depicted as part ofthe patch panel 1303 and the pin receivers 1322 a-c are depicted as partof the original dwelling unit 1300. However, the reverse configurationis also within the scope of this disclosure. In addition, the pins maybe moved between the recessed and extended positions through amechanical actuator, a compressed air system, a hydraulic system, aspring system, or a motor driven system.

Referring to FIG. 13, a patch panel 1403 having attachment assemblies1402 a-b is shown. While the attachment assemblies 1402 a-b are shownconnecting the patch panel 1403 to the flooring 1406 of originaldwelling unit 1400, the attachment assemblies 1402 a-b can also be usedto attach the patch panel 1403 to the walls of original dwelling unit1400, to the roof structure of the original dwelling unit 1400, to theframing of original dwelling unit 1400, or to additional patch panels.In addition, the attachment assemblies 1402 a-b can be used as anattachment assembly to connect other modular structures, describedherein. The attachment assemblies 1402 a-b comprise fasteners 1424 andbrackets 1422 a-b. The fasteners 1424 releasable attach the brackets1422 a-b to the patch panel 1403 and the flooring 1406 of the originaldwelling unit 1400. The fasteners 1424 can comprise screws, staples,bolts, and/or other types of fasteners.

EXAMPLES Example 1

A removable wall assembly for attachment to an exterior wall of ahousing unit. The housing unit comprises a first longitudinal wallportion and a second longitudinal wall portion. The first longitudinalwall portion and the second longitudinal wall portion are substantiallyparallel to one another. The first longitudinal wall portion and thesecond longitudinal wall portion define an opening therebetween. Theopening defines an opening height and an opening width. The removablewall assembly is attached the housing unit and defines a wall structureto fill the opening between the first longitudinal wall portion and thesecond longitudinal wall portion. The removable wall assembly comprisesa patch panel. The patch panel comprises a first vertical side and asecond vertical side, wherein the first vertical side and the secondvertical side are substantially parallel to one another. The patch panelfurther comprises a bottom portion and a top portion, wherein the bottomportion and the top portion are substantial parallel to one another. Thefirst vertical side, the second vertical side, the bottom portion, andthe top portion are connected to form the patch panel. The patch panelhas a patch panel height, a patch panel width, and a patch panelthickness. The patch panel further comprises an attachment mechanismoperable between an engaged condition and a disengaged condition. Thefirst vertical side of the patch panel is configured to abut a portionof the first longitudinal wall portion when the patch panel is attachedto the housing unit. The bottom potion of the patch panel is configuredto abut a portion of a floor system of the housing unit when the patchpanel is attached to the housing unit. The attachment mechanism isconfigured to releasably attach the patch panel to the housing unit whenthe attachment mechanism is in the engaged condition.

Example 2

The removable wall assembly of Example 1, wherein the attachmentmechanism is configured to releasably attach the bottom portion of thepatch panel to the floor system of the housing unit.

Example 3

The removable wall assembly of Example 1, wherein the attachmentmechanism is configured to releasably attach the first vertical side ofthe patch panel to the first longitudinal wall portion of the housingunit.

Example 4

The removable wall assembly of Examples 1, 2, or 3, wherein theattachment mechanism comprises a cam latch configured to camminglyengage a corresponding attachment portion of the housing unit andreleasably attach the patch panel to the housing unit.

Example 5

The removable wall assembly of Examples 1, 2, or 3, wherein theattachment mechanism comprises a key latch, wherein the key latch isoperable between an open condition and a locked condition, wherein thekey latch is configured to engage a corresponding attachment portion ofthe housing unit and releasably attach the patch panel to the housingunit when the key latch is moved from the open condition to the lockedcondition.

Example 6

The removable wall assembly of Examples 1, 2, or 3, wherein theattachment mechanism comprises an attachment pin configured to engage acorresponding attachment portion of the housing unit and releasablyattach the patch panel to the housing unit.

Example 7

The removable wall assembly of Examples 1, 2, or 3, wherein theattachment mechanism comprises an attachment fin configured to engage acorresponding attachment portion of the housing unit and releasablyattach the patch panel to the housing unit.

Example 8

The removable wall assembly of Examples 1, 2, or 3, wherein theattachment mechanism comprises an attachment bracket configuredreleasably attach the patch panel to the housing unit.

Example 9

The removable wall assembly of Examples 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8,wherein the patch panel defines a first patch panel and wherein theremovable wall assembly further comprising a second patch panel. Thesecond patch panel comprises a first vertical side and a second verticalside, wherein the first vertical side and the second vertical side ofthe second patch panel are substantially parallel to one another. Thesecond patch panel further comprises a bottom portion and a top portion,wherein the bottom portion and the top portion of the second patch panelare substantial parallel to one another. The first vertical side, thesecond vertical side, the bottom portion, and the top portion of thesecond patch panel are connected to form the second patch panel. Thesecond patch panel has a second patch panel height, a second patch panelwidth, and a second patch panel thickness. The second patch panelcomprises a second attachment mechanism operable between an engagedcondition and a disengaged condition. The first vertical side of thesecond patch panel is configured to abut the second vertical portion ofthe first patch panel when the first and second patch panels areattached to the housing unit. The second vertical side of the secondpatch panel is configured to abut a portion of the first longitudinalwall portion when the second patch panel is attached to the housingunit. The bottom potion of the second patch panel is configured to abuta portion of a floor system of the housing unit when the second patchpanel is attached to the housing unit. The second attachment mechanismis configured to releasable attach the patch panel to the housing unitwhen the second attachment mechanism is in the engaged condition.

Example 10

The removable wall assembly of Example 9, wherein the top portion of thefirst patch panel and the top portion of the second patch panel define aremovable wall assembly width, and wherein the removable wall assemblywidth is substantially the same as the opening width.

Example 11

A method for horizontally expanding a housing unit, comprising theremovable wall assembly of Examples 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10.The method comprises releasing the patch panel from the housing unit bymoving the attachment mechanism from the engaged condition to thedisengaged condition. The method further comprises removing the patchpanel from the housing unit, installing a horizontal addition onto thehousing unit, releasably attaching the addition to the housing unit, andreattaching the patch panel to the horizontal addition by moving theattachment mechanism from the disengaged condition to the engagedcondition.

Example 12

The method of Example 11, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises acam latch configured to cammingly engage a corresponding attachmentportion of the housing unit and releasably attach the patch panel to thehousing unit.

Example 13

The method of Example 11, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises akey latch, wherein the key latch is configured to be moved between anopen condition and a locked condition, wherein the key latch isconfigured to engage a corresponding attachment portion of the housingunit and releasably attach the patch panel to the housing unit when thekey latch is moved from the open condition to the locked condition.

Example 14

The method of Example 11, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises anattachment pin configured to engage a corresponding attachment portionof the housing unit and releasably attach the patch panel to the housingunit.

Example 15

The method of Example 11, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises anattachment fin configured to engage a corresponding attachment portionof the housing unit and releasably attach the patch panel to the housingunit.

Example 16

The method of Example 11, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises anattachment bracket configured releasably attach the patch panel to thehousing unit.

Example 17

A patch panel, wherein the patch panel comprises a first vertical sideand a second vertical side, wherein the first vertical side and thesecond vertical side are substantially parallel to one another. Thepatch panel further comprises a bottom portion and a top portion,wherein the bottom portion and the top portion are substantial parallelto one another. The first vertical side, the second vertical side, thebottom portion, and the top portion are connected to form the patchpanel. The patch panel has a patch panel height, a patch panel width,and a patch panel thickness. The patch panel further comprises anattachment mechanism operable between an engaged condition and adisengaged condition. The first vertical side of the patch panel isconfigured to abut a portion of a wall portion of a modular housing unitwhen the patch panel is attached to the modular housing unit. The bottompotion of the patch panel is configured to abut a portion of a floorsystem of the modular housing unit when the patch panel is attached tothe housing unit. The attachment mechanism is configured to releasableattach the patch panel to the modular housing unit when the attachmentmechanism is in the engaged condition.

Example 18

The patch panel of Example 17, wherein the attachment mechanismcomprises a cam latch configured to cammingly engage a correspondingattachment portion of a modular housing unit and releasably attach thepatch panel to the modular housing unit.

Example 19

The patch panel of Example 17, wherein the attachment mechanismcomprises a key latch, wherein the key latch is configured to be movedbetween an open condition and a locked condition, wherein the key latchis configured to engage a corresponding attachment portion of a modularhousing unit and releasably attach the patch panel to the modularhousing unit when the key latch is moved from the open condition to thelocked condition.

Example 20

The patch panel of Example 17, wherein the attachment mechanismcomprises an attachment pin configured to engage a correspondingattachment portion of a modular housing unit and releasably attach thepatch panel to the modular housing unit.

Various features and characteristics of removable roof system aredescribed in this specification and illustrated in the drawings toprovide an overall understanding of the disclosed apparatus. It isunderstood that the various features and characteristics described inthis specification and illustrated in the drawings can be combined inany suitable manner regardless of whether such features andcharacteristics are expressly described or illustrated in combination inthis specification. The Inventors and the Applicant expressly intendsuch combinations of features and characteristics to be included withinthe scope of this specification. As such, the claims can be amended torecite, in any combination, any features and characteristics expresslyor inherently described in, or otherwise expressly or inherentlysupported by, this specification. Furthermore, the Applicant reservesthe right to amend the claims to affirmatively disclaim features andcharacteristics that may be present in the prior art, even if thosefeatures and characteristics are not expressly described in thisspecification. Therefore, any such amendments will not add new matter tothe specification or claims, and will comply with written description,sufficiency of description, and added matter requirements (e.g., 35U.S.C. § 112(a) and Article 123(2) EPC). The systems and methodsdescribed in this specification can comprise, consist of, or consistessentially of the various features and characteristics described inthis specification.

The examples presented herein are intended to illustrate potential andspecific implementations of the present disclosure. It can beappreciated that the examples are intended primarily for purposes ofillustration of the disclosure for those skilled in the art. Noparticular aspect of the examples are necessarily intended to limit thescope of the present disclosure. For example, those skilled in the artwill appreciate that the fasteners described herein (e.g., screws) maybe replaced or supplemented by other suitable fastening means includinga variety of other types of mechanical fastening devices (e.g., nails,rivets, magnets, or others). In another example, a particular choice ofconstruction material (e.g., aluminum, plastic, steel, etc.) may bereplaced or supplemented by another type of material which is suitablefor the same or similar structure or function.

Any element expressed herein as a means for performing a specifiedfunction is intended to encompass any way of performing that functionincluding, for example, a combination of elements that performs thatfunction. Furthermore the disclosure, as may be defined by suchmeans-plus-function claims, resides in the fact that the functionalitiesprovided by the various recited means are combined and brought togetherin a manner as defined by the appended claims. Therefore, any means thatcan provide such functionalities may be considered equivalents to themeans shown herein.

It will be appreciated that, for convenience and clarity of disclosure,terms describing relative orientation or spatial positioning such as“proximal,” “distal,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “up,” “down,” “top,”“front,” “back,” “bottom,” “upward,” or “downward” may be used at timesherein with respect to the drawings and text description in associationwith various aspects of the disclosure. However, such terms areprimarily used for illustrative purposes and are not necessarilyintended to be limiting in nature.

It is to be understood that the figures and descriptions of the presentdisclosure have been simplified to illustrate elements that are relevantfor a clear understanding of the present disclosure, while eliminating,for purposes of clarity, other elements. Those of ordinary skill in theart will recognize, however, that these and other elements may bedesirable. However, because such elements are well known in the art, andbecause they do not facilitate a better understanding of the presentdisclosure, a discussion of such elements is not provided herein. Itshould be appreciated that the figures are presented for illustrativepurposes and not as construction drawings. Omitted details andmodifications or alternative aspects are within the purview of personsof ordinary skill in the art. For example, there may be variations tothese diagrams or the operations described herein without departing fromthe spirit of the disclosure.

It can be appreciated that, in certain aspects of the presentdisclosure, a single component may be replaced by multiple components,and multiple components may be replaced by a single component, toprovide an element or structure or to perform a given function orfunctions. Except where such substitution would not be operative topractice certain aspects of the present disclosure, such substitution isconsidered within the scope of the present disclosure.

While various aspects of the disclosure have been described herein, itshould be apparent, however, that various modifications, alterations andadaptations to those aspects may occur to persons skilled in the artwith the attainment of some or all of the advantages of the presentdisclosure. The disclosed aspects are therefore intended to include allsuch modifications, alterations and adaptations without departing fromthe scope and spirit of the present disclosure as claimed.

Any patent, publication, or other disclosure material identified in thisspecification is incorporated by reference into this specification inits entirety unless otherwise indicated, but only to the extent that theincorporated material does not conflict with existing descriptions,definitions, statements, or other disclosure material expressly setforth in this specification. As such, and to the extent necessary, theexpress disclosure as set forth in this specification supersedes anyconflicting material incorporated by reference. Any material, or portionthereof, that is incorporated by reference into this specification, butwhich conflicts with existing definitions, statements, or otherdisclosure material set forth herein, is only incorporated to the extentthat no conflict arises between that incorporated material and theexisting disclosure material. Applicant reserves the right to amend thisspecification to expressly recite any subject matter, or portionthereof, incorporated by reference.

The grammatical articles “one”, “a”, “an”, and “the”, as used in thisspecification, are intended to include “at least one” or “one or more”,unless otherwise indicated. Thus, the articles are used in thisspecification to refer to one or more than one (i.e., to “at least one”)of the grammatical objects of the article. By way of example, “acomponent” means one or more components, and thus, possibly, more thanone component is contemplated and can be employed or used in animplementation of the described processes, compositions, and products.Further, the use of a singular noun includes the plural, and the use ofa plural noun includes the singular, unless the context of the usagerequires otherwise.

What is claimed is:
 1. A removable wall assembly for attachment to anexterior wall of a housing unit, wherein the housing unit comprises afirst longitudinal wall portion and a second longitudinal wall portion,wherein the first longitudinal wall portion and the second longitudinalwall portion are substantially parallel to one another, wherein thefirst longitudinal wall portion and the second longitudinal wall portiondefine an opening therebetween, and wherein the opening defines anopening height and an opening width, and wherein the removable wallassembly is attached the housing unit and defines a wall structure tofill the opening between the first longitudinal wall portion and thesecond longitudinal wall portion, wherein the removable wall assemblycomprises: a patch panel, wherein the patch panel comprises: a firstvertical side; a second vertical side, wherein the first vertical sideand the second vertical side are substantially parallel to one another;a bottom portion; a top portion, wherein the bottom portion and the topportion are substantial parallel to one another, wherein the firstvertical side, the second vertical side, the bottom portion, and the topportion are connected to form the patch panel, and wherein the patchpanel has a patch panel height, a patch panel width, and a patch panelthickness; and an attachment mechanism operable between an engagedcondition and a disengaged condition; wherein the first vertical side ofthe patch panel is configured to abut a portion of the firstlongitudinal wall portion when the patch panel is attached to thehousing unit, wherein the bottom potion of the patch panel is configuredto abut a portion of a floor system of the housing unit when the patchpanel is attached to the housing unit, and wherein the attachmentmechanism is configured to releasably attach the patch panel to thehousing unit when the attachment mechanism is in the engaged condition.2. The removable wall assembly of claim 1, wherein the attachmentmechanism is configured to releasably attach the bottom portion of thepatch panel to the floor system of the housing unit.
 3. The removablewall assembly of claim 1, wherein the attachment mechanism is configuredto releasably attach the first vertical side of the patch panel to thefirst longitudinal wall portion of the housing unit.
 4. The removablewall assembly of claim 1, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises acam latch configured to cammingly engage a corresponding attachmentportion of the housing unit and releasably attach the patch panel to thehousing unit.
 5. The removable wall assembly of claim 1, wherein theattachment mechanism comprises a key latch, wherein the key latch isoperable between an open condition and a locked condition, wherein thekey latch is configured to engage a corresponding attachment portion ofthe housing unit and releasably attach the patch panel to the housingunit when the key latch is moved from the open condition to the lockedcondition.
 6. The removable wall assembly of claim 1, wherein theattachment mechanism comprises an attachment pin configured to engage acorresponding attachment portion of the housing unit and releasablyattach the patch panel to the housing unit.
 7. The removable wallassembly of claim 1, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises anattachment fin configured to engage a corresponding attachment portionof the housing unit and releasably attach the patch panel to the housingunit.
 8. The removable wall assembly of claim 1, wherein the attachmentmechanism comprises an attachment bracket configured releasably attachthe patch panel to the housing unit.
 9. The removable wall assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the patch panel defines a first patch panel and whereinthe removable wall assembly further comprising a second patch panel,wherein the second patch panel comprises: a first vertical side; asecond vertical side, wherein the first vertical side and the secondvertical side of the second patch panel are substantially parallel toone another; a bottom portion; a top portion, wherein the bottom portionand the top portion of the second patch panel are substantial parallelto one another, wherein the first vertical side, the second verticalside, the bottom portion, and the top portion of the second patch panelare connected to form the second patch panel, and wherein the secondpatch panel has a second patch panel height, a second patch panel width,and a second patch panel thickness; and a second attachment mechanismoperable between an engaged condition and a disengaged condition;wherein the first vertical side of the second patch panel is configuredto abut the second vertical portion of the first patch panel when thefirst and second patch panels are attached to the housing unit, whereinthe second vertical side of the second patch panel is configured to abuta portion of the first longitudinal wall portion when the second patchpanel is attached to the housing unit wherein the bottom potion of thesecond patch panel is configured to abut a portion of a floor system ofthe housing unit when the second patch panel is attached to the housingunit, and wherein the second attachment mechanism is configured toreleasable attach the patch panel to the housing unit when the secondattachment mechanism is in the engaged condition.
 10. The removable wallassembly of claim 9, wherein the top portion of the first patch paneland the top portion of the second patch panel define a removable wallassembly width, and wherein the removable wall assembly width issubstantially the same as the opening width.
 11. A method forhorizontally expanding a housing unit, comprising the removable wallassembly of claim 1, wherein the method comprises: releasing the patchpanel from the housing unit by moving the attachment mechanism from theengaged condition to the disengaged condition; removing the patch panelfrom the housing unit; installing a horizontal addition onto the housingunit; releasably attaching the addition to the housing unit; andreattaching the patch panel to the horizontal addition by moving theattachment mechanism from the disengaged condition to the engagedcondition.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the attachment mechanismcomprises a cam latch configured to cammingly engage a correspondingattachment portion of the housing unit and releasably attach the patchpanel to the housing unit.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein theattachment mechanism comprises a key latch, wherein the key latch isconfigured to be moved between an open condition and a locked condition,wherein the key latch is configured to engage a corresponding attachmentportion of the housing unit and releasably attach the patch panel to thehousing unit when the key latch is moved from the open condition to thelocked condition.
 14. The method of claim 11, wherein the attachmentmechanism comprises an attachment pin configured to engage acorresponding attachment portion of the housing unit and releasablyattach the patch panel to the housing unit.
 15. The method of claim 11,wherein the attachment mechanism comprises an attachment fin configuredto engage a corresponding attachment portion of the housing unit andreleasably attach the patch panel to the housing unit.
 16. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises an attachmentbracket configured releasably attach the patch panel to the housingunit.
 17. A patch panel, wherein the patch panel comprises: a firstvertical side; a second vertical side, wherein the first vertical sideand the second vertical side are substantially parallel to one another;a bottom portion; a top portion, wherein the bottom portion and the topportion are substantial parallel to one another, wherein the firstvertical side, the second vertical side, the bottom portion, and the topportion are connected to form the patch panel, and wherein the patchpanel has a patch panel height, a patch panel width, and a patch panelthickness; and an attachment mechanism operable between an engagedcondition and a disengaged condition; wherein the first vertical side ofthe patch panel is configured to abut a portion of a wall portion of amodular housing unit when the patch panel is attached to the modularhousing unit, wherein the bottom potion of the patch panel is configuredto abut a portion of a floor system of the modular housing unit when thepatch panel is attached to the housing unit, and wherein the attachmentmechanism is configured to releasable attach the patch panel to themodular housing unit when the attachment mechanism is in the engagedcondition.
 18. The patch panel of claim 17, wherein the attachmentmechanism comprises a cam latch configured to cammingly engage acorresponding attachment portion of a modular housing unit andreleasably attach the patch panel to the modular housing unit.
 19. Thepatch panel of claim 17, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises akey latch, wherein the key latch is configured to be moved between anopen condition and a locked condition, wherein the key latch isconfigured to engage a corresponding attachment portion of a modularhousing unit and releasably attach the patch panel to the modularhousing unit when the key latch is moved from the open condition to thelocked condition.
 20. The patch panel of claim 17, wherein theattachment mechanism comprises an attachment pin configured to engage acorresponding attachment portion of a modular housing unit andreleasably attach the patch panel to the modular housing unit.